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William Ranney
Ice Gatherers, 1856
Like his contemporary Jacob Miller, Ranney is most closely associated with views of the American frontier, but he also painted genre scenes near his home in New Jersey. In Ice Gatherers , two figures have ventured out on a frozen pond under a placid winter sky, capturing the attention of five curious cows. Though the title clearly refers to the cautious harvesting of ice depicted in this humorous courtship scene, it is also a reference to the colloquial term "breaking the ice." Ranney's suitor, however, appears to be unsuccessful in his attempts at engaging the dour-looking woman in conversation. Such comical subjects were very popular with American audiences at midcentury. |